Label Me Free
Hey River,
Today we like to put labels on everything and everyone, including ourselves. It can be so easy for us to focus on the past, our failures, and our regrets that we begin to identify as these things. Even after salvation, it can be a struggle to overcome our internal perception of ourselves. Once we accept the gift of salvation, our spirit is saved, but our flesh needs some assistance. This is where we lean on the Word of God and claim its power.
Ephesians 1:11-14 says: In him we were also chosen,[a] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
The Word reveals to us that we are chosen by God, that we are predestined to fulfil a purpose according to His will. You are God’s child. Jesus removed all your sin and regret, every wrong thing you will ever say or do has been forgiven. It’s in the past. God knows what you’ve done, but He won’t label you as such. As soon as you receive the gift of Jesus’ salvation, you are a new creation, no longer bound by the past or the struggle of facing life by yourself.
God will only ever see you as His son or daughter, the one He loves, the one He chooses, the one seated with Him in heavenly places. So, why are we still hanging on to our old labels? God delivered you through your past so that you could testify how His love has never let you down. God set you free from darkness so you could live in the glorious light of His presence. God parted your sea of regret so you could live a new life in Him, and take hold of His promises. We can put all our hope in Jesus, knowing His sacrifice was final. We can call on Him when we feel the past creep in and the lies begin to flood our mind, telling us we are worthless or that we will never change. We can speak to the lies and the doubt with the power and authority that has been given to us by the Holy Ghost. The God of the universe calls me His own, His beloved son. You can label me free because God labels me free!
-Nate
Song List:
- Thank God I’m Free – Elevation Rhythm THANK GOD I’M FREE | ELEVATION RHYTHM & Lizzie Morgan
- Another In the Fire – Hillsong Another In The Fire (Live) - Hillsong UNITED
- Fountains – Josh Baldwin Fountains (Live)
- Glorious Day – Passion Glorious Day - Dante Bowe | Moment